Tag: Amanda Nunes

It is nearly time for the fights and we have last minute predictions to help you beat the bookies. Following previous weeks with success rate of over 60% on average we aim to give you another week of bank.

Main Event: Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson

After 5 long years, finally we finally get the rematch to what was not only fight of the year, but one of the greatest fights of all time.

Jones is coming back after over a year layoff following a failed drug test after his win against Daniel Cormier.

Coming in to this one, Jones is a decent sized favourite, and rightly so, considering he won the first fight. However, not everyone believes he should have.

Jonesseems to show up to the biggest fights and this is certainly one of them. There was much debate as to how hard he actually trained for the first fight but there is no question as to whether he will take this one serious. Both fighters will possess the same skills as before but I believe that Gustafsson has much better striking than before. Unless his takedown defence is significatly worse and can’t stop jones from outgrappling him, I believe Gus has a serious chance of winning this fight.

If Jones is not on his game there could be a serious upset, and im calling it. I see Gustafsson outpointing jones in a razor close split decision.

Prediction: Gustafsson via Decision

Co-main Event: Cyborg vs. Nunes

In my opinion Nunes is being completely overlooked in this fight and maybe its justifued – Nunes has power, Cyborg has more. Nunes has speed, Cyborg has more.

However, I strongly believe that Nunes possesses a sizeable advantage in the grappling department. I have noticed in Cyborgs previous fights that she has has problems when in grappling exchanges. She got dominated early on in the clinch by Holm and she was taken down easily against Kunitskaya.

I honestly believe that Nunes will aim to dominate Cyborg in the grappling ages, tire her out and outpoint her to a reasonably comfortable decision win. I could end up with egg on my face but im willing to put my neck on the line.

Arguably the most highly anticipated women’s fight in UFC history has been set, with the featherweight queen Cris Cyborg set to put her title on the line against reigning bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes in a match fitting for the UFC’s traditional end of the year card.

Despite the UFC being all set to make their third appearance at Madison Square Garden, New York City in ten weeks time, there has still been no announcement from the promotion regarding the main event.

We know the co-main event will see Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz throw down in something of a lightweight title eliminator. While there can be no denying that it’ll be a fun fight, as a co main event it’ is something of a step down from previous PPV’s held at MSG.

It feels like we’ve spent a lifetime talking about the possibility of Amanda Nunes () stepping up to featherweight to face Cris Cyborg (20-1-0).

Just last week the two champions engaged in an online spat following Nunes tweeting a photo of her signing a bout agreement to face 145lb champ Cyborg in December. Cyborg however, feels this is simply too long to wait considering she hasn’t fought since emerging unscathed following a first round KO of Yana Kunitskaya back in March.

On Saturday night, we were treated to one of the most dominant, complete and composed title defending displays in recent octagon memory, as hometown hero Amanda ‘The Lioness’ Nunes retained her bantawmeight championship in a one sided beat down of the talented Raquel Pennington, over five rounds.

The victory marked the Brazilian’s third successful title defence. Nunes’ previous outing was a narrow, decision victory over two time former foe Valentina Shevchenko, which followed a dramatic knock out of former bantamweight division queen Ronda Rousey at UFC 207.

Struggling with a broken nose between rounds four and five, Raquel, despite her initial unwillingness and under eventual corner orders, began the fifth and final round. In the early exchanges, which were again dominated by Nunes, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt scored an outside trip and established both hooks on a defense less ‘Rocky’ Raquel. With Nunes pounding on the challenger from back mount, the referee had no choice but to step in with Pennington’s nose decorating the cage with claret.

After another dominant and almost routine win for Nunes on the biggest of stages, who can challenge her next?

Cris Cyborg featherweight superfight

The only logical step forward for Brazil’s two biggest stars is an eventual, exciting Superfight. Featherweight champion Cris Cyborg continued her similarly dominant reign over the albeit shallow division with a late notice knockout victory over promotional debutante Yana Kunitskaya at UFC 222. Were it not for the untimely injury to Max Holloway ahead of UFC 222, we may have originally had Cyborg vs. Nunes for the 145lbs gold at UFC 224 last weekend.

Initially, it seemed Justino had no intention of meeting her compatriot in a defense of her strap, but after her win over Kunitskaya, Cyborg admitted that if the UFC, the fans and Nunes herself were interested in a bout, she would entertain it. Both women are arguably #1 and #2 in terms of natural striking ability with former strawweight queen Joanna Jedrezjczyk coming in a close third in terms of the female ranks, not to mention both Brazilian’s are excellent grapplers. Expect this title tilt to finally get the green light toward the tail end of 2018.

Ketlen Vieira clash

Another all Brazilian affair, would see Nunes pitted against talented grappler and undefeated phenom Ketlen Vieira in search of her fourth successful title retention. The Manaus native burst onto the UFC scene in April, 2017, with a decision win over Ashlee Evans-Smith and extended her unbeaten run with a submission victory over Sara McMann at UFC 215. Her most notable career win to date came against former title challenger ‘Alpha’ Cat Zingano at UFC 222, utilizing her Judo black belt to out score the returning striker over three rounds. The split decision victory more than likely earned her a potential shot at Nunes’ throne. Vieira offers an interesting match up for Nunes, particularly with her grappling prowess, but in terms of striking, they are oceans apart.

Cat Zingano vs. Marion Reneau winner

While this may be the least likely of all of these meetings, it would be a hugely dangerous match up for Nunes, particularly if former foe Zingano emerges victorious against Reneau. Nunes suffered her lone UFC defeat against Cat back in 2014, finding herself on the receiving end of some brutal elbows from the Minnesota fan favorite.

Zingano will of course meet wily BJJ player Reneau this summer at UFC Fight Night Boise, and a notable finish for either contender could catapult the winner toward a shot at the Bahia bruiser Nunes, especially considering the slim pickings within the division’s top five. Number one ranked contender Holly Holm is currently exploring the featherweight division and will meet Invicta FC great Megan Anderson at UFC 225. Number two ranked Pennington just had her siege halted while top three challenger Julianna Peña is coming off a surprising submission loss to now flyweight title chaser Valentina Shevchenko, and recently gave birth to a baby girl in January so a return in the current climate is on hold.

UFC 224 is in the books and more than a few people will be feeling sheepish as they scroll through social media this morning. Many fans had publicly written this event off for lack of star power, but when all was said and done, UFC 224 was one of the more entertaining cards in recent memory. Even the UFC themselves took the time to reference the criticism they had received in the lead up to the event.

On the main card alone we were treated to walk off KO’s from Lyoto Machida and John Lineker, as well as a knockdown followed by a swift submission from Mackenzie Dern. Not to mention there were also two outstanding 5 round fights with Kelvin Gastelum and Jacare Souza needing the judges to separate them and Amanda Nunes putting an end to a rough night for Raquel Pennington before the fifth round was over.

Let’s take a look at what could be next for Amanda Nunes and the other main card winners, following an entertaining night of action in Rio de Janeiro.

Lyoto Machida (24-8-0)

Photo – Jason Silva, USA Today Sports

Kicking off the main card, former champion Lyoto Machida sent fellow Brazilian Vitor Belfort into retirement in dramatic fashion after just one minute of the second round. The spectacular knockout win gives Machida his first two fight win streak in a little over four years and while one final run at the title is unlikely, he proved that he still has plenty to offer the sport, 15 years on from his professional debut.

In his post fight interview, Machida admitted he had someone in mind for his next outing and joined the lengthy queue of middleweights and light heavyweights calling out former champion Michael Bisping (30-9-0).

"Michael Bisping, I'm still waiting for you man. I want to do this fight. If you want to retire, you gotta fight me first." 🗣

Bisping has recently confirmed that he is “probably retired” and only a significant offer would entice him back into the cage. He also explained that offer would likely need to be at 205lbs rather than at middleweight. Would a light heavyweight match up between the two future hall of famers be enough the draw him into the octagon for one last hurrah? Only time will tell.

John Lineker (31-8-0)

Photo – Jason Silva, USA Today Sports

John “Hands of Stone” Lineker lived up to his name on Saturday night with a stunning one punch KO of American bantamweight Brian Kelleher. While a win over unranked Kelleher is unlikely to do much for Lineker’s number six ranking, the 27-year-old knockout artist is likely to be looking for an opponent above him in the bantamweight rankings for his next fight.

With everyone above him in the rankings already booked to fight in the coming months, Lineker is somewhat short of options. The fight which makes the most sense, would be for him to face whoever picks up a loss when Jimmie Rivera (21-1-0) faces Marlon Moraes (20-5-1) in June.

Mackenzie Dern (7-0-0)

Photo – Jason Silva, USA Today Sports

Arguably the biggest talking point heading into UFC 224 was Mackenzie Dern’s weight. Coming in a little more than 7 pounds above the strawweight limit, Dern received a significant amount of criticism from both her colleagues and fans around the world. Just 2 minutes into her second UFC appearance, Dern landed a huge over hand right which knocked her opponent, former amateur golden gloves winner Amanda Bobby Cooper, to the canvas. Dern was quick to take advantage, bringing the fight to a close via rear naked choke just seconds later.

Putting the weigh in to one side, it was an impressive performance from the BJJ world champion. Certainly a marked improvement on her UFC debut just eight weeks prior. Unfortunately for Dern, the win will forever be marred by her missing weight by such a significant amount and the damage to her professional reputation which comes with that.

Dern addressed her disappointing performance on the scales during the post event press conference.

“On Friday, at 9 a.m. I wasn’t cutting anymore weight, I was in the sauna and there’s no more water coming out, I wasn’t sweating. I couldn’t walk anymore and the commission said you can’t keep going. Thankfully, Amanda accepted the fight. I’m ashamed at that. I don’t want that to happen again but it’s a mistake.” Dern said. “The UFC is investing in me and I’m going to work with them not to happen ever again.”

Dern went on to confirm that she had been informed that the UFC wanted her to move up to flyweight following the failed weight cut.

“My manager said that the UFC would want me to move up in weight. I believe that they won’t,” Dern said. “On Friday, [UFC matchmaker] Mick [Maynard] called me and said we have in institute here in Vegas and we’re going to invest in you, we want you here, we’re going to work with you so I said I’m going to work with you guys. I can’t lose that opportunity to get all this help from this organization that is so big and it’s going to help me make weight.”

With the BJJ star seemingly intent on remaining in the strawweight division, it’s time to consider the next step in her development. Juliana Lima (9-5-0) sits just outside the top 15 at 115lbs. With twice as many professional fights as Dern, Lima would provide a stiff test for the 25-year-old. Lima fell short in her last two bouts against Tecia Torres and Randa Markos and a victory over Dern would provide a quick change in career trajectory for the 36-year-old Brazilian. For Dern, this would be her final chance to prove she is capable of hitting her mark at strawweight and should she be victorious, a ranked opponent would be likely for her next fight.

Kelvin Gastelum (15-3-0, 1 nc)

Photo – Jason Silva, USA Today Sports

Kelvin Gastelum continued his mission for gold on Saturday night, doing enough to earn an extremely close fought split decision win over number 2 ranked middleweight Jacare Souza. It was a mature performance from the 26-year-old. It’s notoriously difficult to earn a split decision win as an underdog when fighting someone in front of their home crowd, but Gastelum managed it.

Having beaten the former champion and the number two contender in his last two fights, there is only one viable fight for Gastelum. He needs to face the winner of Yoel Romero (13-2-0) vs Robert Whittaker (19-4-0) and get his shot at the gold he covets so much. The UFC middleweight division is in a transition phase at the moment with a number of veterans reaching the end of their careers and it has provided the perfect environment for Gastelum to make his rapid climb to the top of the pile. With Luke Rockhold contemplating his future at 185lbs and former champion Chris Weidman recovering from injury, like it or not, Gastelum is next in line for a run at the belt.

Amanda Nunes (16-4-0)

Amanda Nunes finally seems to be getting the respect she deserves. In a dominant display she outgunned a game Raquel Pennington over the course of four rounds, leading to Pennington telling her corner that she was done. Her corner ultimately talked her down and sent her back out for the fifth round, a decision which has led to an overwhelming amount of criticism from professional fighters everywhere. As expected, Pennington had little left to give and was finished by a flurry of Nunes strikes halfway through the final round.

The win fires Nunes into the record books with more finishes (7) than any other female fighter in UFC history.

With Pennington safely dispatched and her third title defence in the bag, focus will naturally shift to what might be next for the bantamweight queen.

With the number one ranked 135lb fighter Holly Holm enjoying some time at featherweight, and number three ranked Julianna Pena on maternity leave, there are limited options for Nunes in her own division. The obvious choice for her next title defence would be the number four ranked contender, Ketlen Vieira (10-0-0). The 26-year-old Brazilian is yet to taste defeat in ten professional fights and most recently earned a hard fought split decision win over perennial contender Cat Zingano.

There is, however, an alternative path for Nunes to tread should everything fall into place. Prior to booking the title defence against Pennington, there had been extensive talk of Nunes stepping up to 145lbs to take on arguably the most feared women in MMA, Cris Cyborg (20-1-0). The reigning women’s featherweight champion seemed to have reluctantly come around to the idea of putting her belt on the line against Nunes before the Pennington fight was announced. It now seems highly likely that those conversations will be rekindled in the coming weeks, perhaps targeting a fight before the year is out.

After weeks of speculation and a last minute twist, UFC 224 has a main event. Reigning women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes will put her title on the line against the number 2 ranked contender, Raquel Pennington.

The fight has been in the works for some time but looked to be in jeopardy following UFC 222 when UFC president Dana White stated that he intended to have Nunes challenge women’s featherweight queen Cris Cyborg for her title.

For now, it would appear that White has had an uncharacteristic change of heart as today the UFC confirmed via twitter that Nunes would be facing Pennington in the main event at UFC 224 in Rio Di Janeiro.

Pennington (9-5-0) owns a four fight win streak but has not fought since earning a unanimous decision victory against Miesha Tate back in November 2016. The fight turned out to be Tate‘s final farewell to the UFC and placed Pennington firmly at the top end of the bantamweight rankings.

Nunes (15-4-0) has amassed a six fight win streak of her own since a third round KO loss to Cat Zingano at UFC 178. The Brazilian’s battle with Pennington will be her third title defence since capturing the belt from Tate at UFC 200. Her two previous title defences saw Nunes brutally KO former great Ronda Rousey followed by a split decision victory against now flyweight contender Valentina Shevchenko.

One would expect that should Nunes emerge victorious, a big money, Brazilian champion vs Brazilian champion super fight against Cyborg would be up next.